1964 Studebaker Daytona

The 1964 Studebaker Daytona gained a four-door sedan in addition to the station wagon and convertible offered on the six-cylinder line. The first series eight-cylinder models included the body styles from the six-cylinder line and added a 2-door hardtop with seating for six passengers. The Lark name had become de-emphasized except for the early Commander and Challenger models. The Commander models had replaced the 1963 Regal line, while the Challenger replaced the 1963 Standard line.

The Daytona had wide side moldings, dual headlights, and 'Daytona' identification on the front fenders. Power was from an overhead-valve six-cylinder engine displacing 169.6 cubic inches and offering 112 horsepower. The V8 version displaced 259.2 cubic inches and had 180 horsepower. Exteriorly, the Six- and Eight-cylinder models were similar with the eights having '8' emblems on the front fenders. The sedan and hardtop body styles had crossed checkered flag V-8 emblems located on the upper rear quarter panels.

Hardtop

Studebaker was actually ahead of the curve when it came to high horsepower engines in smaller, lighter bodies. And they are also among the first to offer a supercharger as a factory option.

This example is one of the most recognized Studebaker muscle cars ever built. Although subtle in appearance, don't let that fool you. This is the very first R3 supercharged Studebaker released to the public.

In the summer of 1963, Hot Rod magazine learned of the upcoming release of an ultra-high performance R3 supercharged engine option for the compact model Lark. They knew they had to get their hands on one for testing, but the folks at Studebaker weren't quite ready. Knowing that the publicity generated by a road test would bring in some much-needed attention, they went to work to make it happen.

This car was born from a 289-horsepower R2 model. It was sent to Paxton Products, manufacturers of the supercharger, to have the necessary modifications made under the direct supervision of Andy, Joe and Vince Granatelli. The end result would be a full test in the January 1964 issue of Hot Rod magazine, about a month after Studebaker closed its doors in South Bend, Indiana.

Ironically, Studebaker-Packard's former engineer John DeLorean would then go on to introduce the GTO, a car utilizing the big engine/small car concept.

The Studebaker Lark Daytona was produced from 1959 through 1966. The Lark and Lark-based variants were the bulk of the range produced by Studebaker after 1958. The Lark name was gradually phased out of the company catalog during the early 1960s, beginning with the 1963 Cruiser. In early 1964, Lark-based models were being marketed under Daytona, Commander, and Cruiser nameplates. Production continued until 1966 when the Studebaker Company ceased automobile production.

The Datyona version had bucket seats and center consoles. When introduced, the Daytona replaced the Regal as the top-trim convertible and hardtop, although Regal versions of these body styles were still available.

For 1963, the Daytona gained a Wagonaire body style, adding to the convertible and hardtop options. The Daytona's received new side trim that started as a narrow molding on the front fenders and widened toward the rear.

For 1964, Studebaker added a four-door sedan to the Daytona lineup. Pricing ranged from $2830 - $3500 and was available with either an overhead valve six-cylinder engine or V8 powerplants.

by Dan Vaughan